London HomeBuyers Report advises specialist Structural Survey

A recent London HomeBuyers Report on a converted Victorian Flat in Hammersmith, West London, advised further investigation to confirm the presence of adequate support.

Why would a Survey advise a further Survey?

Sometimes it is not possible for the surveyor to investigate the structure exhaustively as parts of the house are concealed or require specialist surveys.  In these circumstances the surveyor will advise further investigation, typically from a structural or specialist surveyor.

In this particular survey,  the presence of boxing and other such protrusions indicated the presence of rolled/reinforced steel joists (RSJ) provided to compensate for the removal of solid walls.  

However the London Surveyor was unable to confirm the presence of RSJ's due to their concealment. (Steel Joists or RSJs were covered by plaster board and it is obviously not paractical for a surveyor to make holes in ceilings - particularly as the buyer does not actually own the home yet!)

The London based Surveyor therefore advised that a suitably qualified structural engineer be instructed to confirm the presence of RSJs, the cause of the cracking and that adequate structural provision has been provided.

The Home Buyers Survey on the London Property revealed the following issues and risks:

• The majority of external elements require maintenance, to include repointing to the chimney stack, or replacement, to include rotten joinery and blown double glazing
• Internally, there are several other issues requiring attention, to include cracking at 2nd floor level, which we do not believe to be caused by significant structural movement
• Poor pointing.
• Weathered and rotten joinery.
• Poor sliding and closing capabilities of balcony doors.
• Corroded wrought iron work.
• Corroded wrought iron work.
• Spalling and poor pointing to boundaries.
• Poor sliding and closing capabilities of balcony doors.

Remedial works were estimated to be in the order of £4,000

Local Area Information

During a HomeBuyer Report a surveyor will also provide information on the locl area, particularly if it poses any threat to the property.

The immediate surrounding area is built upon a flat, low topography, falling within the river basin of the Thames, which lies approximately 1 1/2 miles from the property at its nearest point, to the south.

The property sits upon a Loamy soilscape with naturally high groundwater, which does not pose a threat of subsidence.

If you are thinking of buying a property in London, Don't leave it to chance - Get a Survey.